Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant

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I've been using this everyday for about 2 weeks now and I can see a notable difference in the number of whiteheads I have on my cheeks. It has significantly decreased the bumpiness of of my skin (I have acne prone skin and tend to accumulate whiteheads like no tomorrow).

It does help with the redness a bit. I experimented by putting this product only on one side of my face for two days and you can definitely tell the difference. I still look like I'm permanently blushing though.

It doesn't seem to do much for the large painful bumps. If anything I feel like its increasing the number of huge pimples I get around my jawline. I used to get 1 or 2 around my period and now in a span of 2 weeks I have 7... What I also don't like is how dry its made my skin. I'm flaking terribly and it doesn't seem like anyone else is having this issue. On top of the dryness my T-zone is also getting extremely oily. I really want to like this product for what it does to whiteheads but if I continue to breakout in painful cysts I will probably send it back.

Skin Type:

Combination

Bottom LineYes, I would recommend this to a friend

Customer Service Response: Hello, and thank you for sharing your experience with us. Please contact a member of our Customer Care team - they can help recommend a product that might work better for your skin type, as well as assist you with a possible exchange or refund.

Previously, I had been using a toner with salicylic acid from Clinique which contained alcohol and was drying out my skin after months of use. I wanted to replace it with a product that is moisturizing and exfoliating at the same time without any alcohol which is why I bought this BHA gel. Within the next few days of using the BHA gel, I noticed that my skin was more smooth and felt softer. I applied the gel to my entire face avoiding the eye area after my shower in the evening when my face is nicely cleansed (skipped the toner since I am still trying to find a good toner for my skin, or actually debating whether it is really necessary..). After applying the gel, my skin feels a bit dry after about 15 min which is when I apply some moisturizer (Vichy pro-even which contains Vitamin C and ceramide). I have noticed that after using the gel for the past two weeks that my skin has gotten a slightly brighter, and feels more smooth to the touch. The product is easy to use, I like the fact that I can use it with my fingers and doesn't feel too sticky. However, the redness in my skin has not gone away and my skin has become significantly oilier all around (not just in the T-zone areas). Normally, I suffer from blackheads and occasional little pimples around my forehead and occasional small/medium/large cysts in my jaw line due to hormones. Now I have many more pimples in my forehead which used to be almost all clear and a number of scary red pimples surfacing along my jaw line as well as some new pimples on my chin (something I have never had before)! I really hope that this is part of the "purging" process and will continue to use the product once a day and hopefully will see some improvement soon. I will update my review after a month more of use and will hopefully be able to say then that the product is actually working for my acne-prone skin.

Skin Type:

Combination

Customer Service Response: Hi there! It sounds as if this may be a purging-like phase, which is rare but can occur for some. If this hasn't passed in a short time (i.e., 1-2 weeks) we would recommend trying a sample of a lighter formula, such as the water-light Clear Regular Strength Exfoliating Solution 2% BHA (our CS team can send you a sample). If this doesn't work out for you, we would recommend contacting our Customer Care Team at custserv@paulaschoice.com so that they can assist with a refund or exchange.

I have PCOS, so I've had persistent acne since I was 12. I tried (I thought) everything. Benzoyl peroxide products, salicylic acid toners, every face wash on the market... even tried every prescription the dermatologist offered, including Accutane.

This works where none of those did the trick. You really have to use it consistently-- I break out again if I skip a day. (Or sometimes even a half-day, since I find applying it twice a day works best for me.) With that caveat, for me this has been near-miraculous.

Cons:-The texture was... counterintuitive at first? It feels almost moisturizing, which might confuse people used to alcohol or menthol-laden products or liquid exfoliants.-As with every effective salicylic acid product, this might make your acne worse for a couple of weeks. It did for me. Stick it out for a month before deciding to give up (unless you're experiencing other signs of irritation, like peeling skin).

I really was excited to use this product, I've heard so much about Paula's Choice. However, I realized this was actually breaking me out by clogging my pores. I assume this is because of the consistency/ingredients. Everyone's skin is different, but my skin is really oily, and this just didn't do anything for me. I really wanted to like this, but I tested it out and found that this definitely was clogging my pores :/ Don't recommend at all.

I gave my boyfriend, this product along with the blemish product, and he uses it and it works well. His acne has gone down considerably and when it shows up he applies this and blemish product and it goes away in a day or two vs previously when it would take a week or so. I have been buying your products for years and only have wonderful things to say about your products and excellent customer service. I love watching him apply your products with such deligence..

After one use I saw results. After 2 uses I couldn't believe the difference. I have been using this about every other day before bed and it has transformed my skin. As I got older I started noticing an uneven skin tone with hormonal breakouts around the chin and sides of my mouth and face. This got rid of them ALL. I can't believe it. I prefer this to aha as my skin has always responded well to salicyclic acid. Please try this!!!! You won't be disappointed! One of the best products on the market today and I know there is a lot to sift through.

I got several samples in the gel and found that I like the results more than with the Resist 2% BHA liquid. The gel is sticky and shiny, but I use it at night. I wait a few minutes, then apply a serum or Vitamin C liquid. The results in the morning are amazing. My skin is clear and bright. I wouldn't use the gel in the morning, as it does stay tacky on the skin. I will continue to use 2% BHA liquid for daytime use. Not sure why the difference in results - perhaps more even coverage with gel?

Not many products make me want to take my personal time to write a review, but this one did. After using it for 4-6 weeks it completely changed my outlook on skin care. With continued use, it resolved my cystic acne and other breakouts. I'm actually willing to leave the house without makeup! As other reviews note, it can be a bit sticky especially in a humid climate mid-summer but i think it's well worth the trade.

I have melasma, so I tried a prescription my derm gave me to get that under control. Needless to say I broke out horribly and I still have melasma. Rediscovered this product in my vanity and I am so thankful I did. Within days the breakouts were under control and the redness was gone! I have used the liquid in the past, but certainly like the texture of this much better. Try it, you won't be sorry!

I love this product! I have combination skin and have always struggled with my pores. I first tried the 2% BHA liquid exfoliant and saw no difference in my skin. The gel made a difference immediately. Although it is a bit tacky at first, I find that the stickiness fades after about 20 minutes and once I follow up with my spf moisturizer.

Customer Service Response: Hello, and thank you for sharing your experience with us - we're sorry to hear this didn't work as expected for you! Please contact a member of our Customer Care team for information on a possible exchange or refund.

I'm 53 and it's depressing to see my pores getting larger by the year. Fortunately, there is no question this product does help shrink pores. I used it faithfully every day and after about 2 or 3 weeks, I could see it working. My issue is the very strange texture. It's a gel, which I wouldn't mind, but it never really sinks in. It just sits on top of the skin and makes it very shiny. I find that I have to now use lots of face powder to cover up the shine. Wish I had bought the liquid.

Customer Service Response: Hello, and thanks for sharing your experience with! Definitely contact our Customer Care team - they can help you with an exchange.

From reading the reviews I worried that the gel would be very sicky/tacky . However the gel is only slightly tackier than the 8% AHA gel. I do not find the consistency off putting and it absorbs into my skin completely in just a bit more time than the lotion did. If you are happy with the AHA gel consistency, you'll likely be happy with the BHA's.Overall I'm very happy with purchase, Ill give it some time and see how my skin compares to when I was using the lotion.

This stuff is awesome. It has the best texture---you barely need anything to cover your entire face and neck (way better than the Pore-Refining Treatment BHA in which you get less product and spend a good amount of it on a cotton ball or pad). The thing that really took me aback about this product is the fact that it totally smoothed out the uneven skin above my eyelid---it is the only product that has been able to do that. Wow!

This product is a gel in name only. It is more of a viscous liquid and feels almost oily when applied to my skin. As other reviewers have mentioned, it is very sticky, and doesn't absorb into the skin even after a significant amount of time. This is okay for me because I'm using it on my back before I go to bed, but I would never put it on my face in the morning. I don't have any complaints about its efficacy, but I would skip this one in favor of the liquid if you possibly can.

I have been using this product for over a month. Previously I was using one of the liquids. I don't know what it is, but since I started using it, I have had more blemishes than I have had in years. I'm 54 so I should not be experiencing this almost every week. Very strange - I am going to stop using it.

Customer Service Response: Hello, and thank you for sharing your experience with us - we're sorry to hear this didn't work as expected for you! Please contact a member of our Customer Care team, who can assist you with a possible exchange or refund.

I have very combination acne prone skin and Nothing makes as much of a difference in my overall skin appearance than this product. Highly recommend it. This combined with a PC toner has worked magic for my skin. The samples are super cheap also so why not give it a try?

I had used it about 3 weeks, it dryed out my skin, and made my skin looked horrible. Last time when I used it, my face got ichy and I had to wash it off. So bad now I have a full of bottle and I don't want to use.

Customer Service Response: Hello, and thank you for sharing your experience with us - we're sorry to hear this didn't work as expected for you! Please contact a member of our Customer Care team, who can assist you with a possible exchange or refund.

I decided to write a review since it was the reviews of this product that helped me decide which of Paula's products to order.I have oily, sensitive skin along with rosacea. I also tend to have slightly rough texture.I have been using this product for several weeks now and I am hooked. I have gotten compliments at work saying I look like I am glowing. My skin definitely feels smoother and looks more even. You can definitely expect a fresher appearance and glowing skin. I highly recommend.

I've been using this at night with pure organic unrefined shea butter as my moisturizer at night and my husband told me my skin looks really bright. I also use african black soap as my cleanser. So good job PC

Not happy. I use to be about 97% clear. Now I have cystic acne around my mouth and on my cheeks that won't go away. I know the PC gel is to blame because my breakouts happened within a day of using it. Now I have this full bottle of the gel I don't want to use. I'm so unhappy :(

Customer Service Response: Hello, and thank you for sharing your experience with us - we're sorry to hear this didn't work as expected for you! Please contact a member of our Customer Care team for information on a possible exchange or refund.

An excellent exfoliant without damaging ingredients that often accompany BHA products (menthol, alcohol,etc.). PLUS it has some other antioxidant goodies packed in to make your skin extra happy. I've had clogged, sad pores for the longest time and Never thought BHA was appropriate for me (I associated salycillic acid with my teenage acne years, and I am definitely not a teen anymore!) Glad I wised up and gave this a try.

I love this product, started with the liquid and have stayed loyal to that format. I wanted to try something that didn't need to "dry" and purchased the gel. Fantastic so if you're thinking of testing this compared to the liquid you should. I do still use the liquid particularly if I'm in the city because I find with a cotton pad it exfoliates but removes all the dirt that is left behind after using Cetaphil.

I'm a 16 year old girl that likes to wear makeup, my face began to break out with closed comedones when I started wearing makeup and I hated the way it made my face feel and look. I looked around and decided to buy this and I'm so happy I did!! I added this to my existing skin care routine, consisting of a drugstore cleanser, toner, and moisterizer; This stuff is very worth the price! My skin is now soft and smooth, but beware it can make already oily skin a bit more oily. Overall great product!

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What makes this product unique?Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant is a water-based formula that exfoliates both the skin's surface and inside the pore, reshaping the pore lining to unclog pores and improve skin cell turnover rate. This creates a dramatic improvement in the skin's appearance, feel, and function especially for blemish-prone skin. There is a great deal of research indicating that BHA (beta hydroxy acid) increases collagen production and drastically smooths the surface of skin. Additionally, BHA has anti-bacterial properties that attack blemish-causing bacteria. The silky gel base of this exfoliant is similar to the texture of the Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Gel Exfoliant but has twice the amount of salicylic acid to combat stubborn blemishes, including blackheads and white bumps.

This product is 100% fragrance- and colorant-free with a pH range of 3.2-3.8. Every Paula's Choice BHA product is formulated with additional soothing agents.

Who is this product for?All skin types may use this product, but the texture is especially suited for those with normal to very oily skin prone to blemishes.

NOTE: Those allergic to aspirin (acetylsalicylate) should not use products containing salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid).

Sources to support the claims made for SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Gel EXFOLIANT

DIRECTIONS: Apply once or twice daily after cleansing and toning. Apply a dime-sized amount over the entire face, including the eyes (avoid the lower lash line and eyelids). Do not rinse. For daytime, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 25 or greater.

When properly formulated, both AHAs and BHA are brilliant options for exfoliating the surface of skin. Both AHA and BHA work to reduce wrinkles, stimulate collagen, and firm skin but each has its special qualities you'll want to consider when deciding which one to use:

AHAs are preferred for sun-damaged and dry skin because they exfoliate on the surface of skin and have the added benefit of also improving moisture content.

BHA is preferred for oily, acne-prone skin and for treating blackheads and white bumps because BHA can get through the oil that's clogging your pores, normalizing the lining of the misshapen pore that contributes to acne.

BHA has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action. Those are two more reasons to use a BHA exfoliant if you have acne or sensitive, reddened skin.

BHA is preferred for those struggling with rosacea. Not everyone with rosacea can tolerate an exfoliant, but it is wise to experiment with a BHA product to see how your rosacea responds.

If your skin is sun-damaged and you're also struggling with acne or clogged pores, add a BHA product to your routine.

If you'd like to use an AHA and BHA at the same time, that is an option, though not really necessary. Some people find they work well when they're applied at the same time, but if you want to give this a try it is best to apply them separately, one during the day and one in the evening.

AHA products are most effective at a 5% to 10% concentration and BHA at 1% to 2% concentration. Think about it like making bread, the amount of yeast you need is tiny in comparison to the amount of flour you use but equally important to get the results you want. The percentage of effectiveness varies depending on the ingredient. Rest assured that the BHA products are not any less effective due to lower concentrations of the exfoliant.

It is entirely a matter of personal preference. It is completely acceptable to use more than one of our 2% BHA products, though use only one at a time. A typical regimen would be to apply the 2% BHA Gel in the morning under makeup and the 2% BHA Lotion in the evening.

First, we urge you to follow the post-procedure instructions your doctor or nurse provided. If nothing was mentioned about when to resume use of a BHA exfoliant, please contact the doctor's office where you had the procedure done. Otherwise, our general advice is to begin using your BHA again as soon as possible. Or, if your skin seems extra-sensitive, you may want to wait and apply the BHA exfoliant a few days post-procedure. Salicylic acid is an excellent anti-inflammatory ingredient that can enhance skin's natural healing process as it works to reduce post-procedure redness.

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